New Honda Motorcycle Plant at Kumamoto Factory Begins Operation

TOKYO, Japan, April 14, 2008– Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that production has begun at the new motorcycle plant it has constructed within the property of Honda’s Kumamoto Factory.

The new plant was built with the concept of a “people-friendly and environmentally-responsible plant” and emphasis on “light, wind and water.” Employing Honda’s state-of-the-art high efficiency production technologies, the new plant will serve as the global leader of Honda’s motorcycle production operations around the world. In addition, Honda sought to reduce any impact on the surrounding environment, as the plant is located near the base of Mt. Aso, as well as achieve a further improvement of the work environment. The plant employs environmental initiatives from various perspectives, including the installation of a solar panel system and utilization of natural light. As a result, the new plant is built as a “green factory” which will achieve a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the existing motorcycle plant at Kumamoto Factory.

While maximizing use of existing facilities and equipment, new equipment and technologies have been introduced based on the ideas of Honda production associates, such as automatic lifts and lift assist devices, that help associates in processes involving heavy components. Through these measures, the new plant achieves ergonomic improvements in production processes and a better work environment, as well as improved production flexibility.

Further, the motorcycle production line from the existing motorcycle plant at Kumamoto Factory gradually will be transferred to the new plant, with the transfer expected to be completed before the end of 2008. Motorcycle engine production will also be transferred to this new plant from Honda’s Hamamatsu Factory before the end of 2009.

Once the process of consolidating motorcycle production is complete, the new plant is scheduled to produce a full range of motorcycles from the 50cc model, such as Super Cub to medium and large-sized motorcycle models.